Soham’s new railway station will be built by J Murphy and Sons.
The £18.6 million funding package for reconnecting Soham – a town that has been without a rail connection for almost 55 years – to the rail network has been provided by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer. With consent secured from East Cambridgeshire District Council in June, early enabling works are expected to begin this autumn to prepare the site for main construction works in 2021.
Under the contract, J Murphy & Sons will:
- Construct a single 99-metre platform to accommodate four car train services, including waiting shelters, lighting, information screens and a public address system;
- Install a stepped footbridge across the railway to connect to an existing public right of way, designed for any future installation of lifts for a potential second platform for any scheme;
- Construct a drop-off point and a car park to accommodate 50 vehicles and five spaces for blue badge holders, as well as lighting masts;
- Provide cycle parking and ticket vending machines on the station forecourt.
Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, Ellie Burrows, said: “Awarding the contract provides us with the means to be able to start delivering this important transport gateway for Soham. This project is a prime example of what we can do when we work in partnership with other organisations to improve the railway for the benefit of local communities and businesses.”
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor James Palmer added: “This is one of the last milestones before we deliver the station that the Soham community has campaigned for. People can’t wait to see shovels on site and boots on the ground.
“It’s been a top priority for me as Mayor and the Combined Authority hasn’t just funded the project – we have challenged the delivery timescales and pushed Network Rail hard to make sure this long-awaited scheme is delivered as quickly as possible. Our new approach to delivery has already saved us five months, and I am sure we can find other novel ways to speed this up.
“Reconnected to the national network, Soham will be part of greening the Cambridgeshire transport system, it will attract more business and more investment, gain access to more jobs, and enjoy a fully-linked commercial and social life fit for the 21st century.”
Enabling works are expected to begin this autumn with the main construction phase starting in early 2021 and completed by the end of 2021. Greater Anglia’s Ipswich/Peterborough service will start to serve Soham station following completion of the new station.
Related articles: https://railengineer.co.uk/approval-given-to-start-work-at-soham-station/ and https://railengineer.co.uk/plans-submitted-for-new-station-at-soham/
